Topher White is a National Geographic explorer, conservation  technologist, and founder of Rainforest Connection, an organization  whose goal is to save rainforests with the help of a global network of  indigenous communities and partners-on-the-ground. The idea is to  prevent illegal deforestation using bio-acoustic monitoring technologies  that also give an international audience access to the natural sounds  of rainforests worldwide through a downloadable app.

Dorianne Laux is a multiple award-winning American poet. She has  recently retired from her teaching position at North Carolina State  University's creative writing program. Now she lives in Richmond,  California.

Jim Bachor is a graphic designer and mosaic artist based in Chicago.  His artwork combines contemporary mosaics with traditional techniques.  One of his most recent projects consists of installing mosaic art in  potholes on the streets of Chicago and elsewhere.

Nico Albert is a renowned chef, caterer, storyteller, and promoter of  traditional indigenous cuisine, cooking, and food practices.

Michal is the founder and singer of the Polish rock band The Other Place.

Ellen Jones is a British literary translator from Spanish to English,  an editor, and an occasional writer based in Mexico City. One of her  most recent books, ‘Language in Motion: Translating Multilingualism  Across the Americas', is out now from Columbia University Press.

Daniela De Paulis is an interdisciplinary artist and former contemporary dancer from Italy.

Yungchen Lhamo is a singer and performer from Tibet.

Rosa Vasquez Espinoza is a Peruvian chemical biologist, National  Geographic explorer, traveler, researcher, educator, conservationist and  award-winning artist.

Al Rose is a musician and singer-songwriter born and raised in Chicago.